We’ve helped thousands of people overcome their acrophobia & fear of heights
Ski lifts and ski slopes, rock scrambles, coastal-path walks, escalators on the London Underground, the London Eye, stadiums and theatres … Which of these preys on your fear of heights? Ever wondered how to overcome and manage your acrophobia? We are uniquely placed to help you, on our Overcome Your Fear of Heights course here in the Peak District. See all our reviews on Google and TripAdvisor from the past 20 plus years, and take the first step today.
Testimonials & Feedback for our Fear of Heights Course
“This course has the perfect blend of psychology, practical tips and explorations, and positivity – all carried out in wonderful surroundings and in a small group with other like minds, learning and sharing with each other also part of the experience…” Claire, May 2025
“I entered the course genuinely terrified of heights, to the point it was stopping me enjoying many things that “normal” people take for granted. I truly believed that was me for life… and I was getting worse all the time… Cut to a few months after and I’m borderline addicted to trying to challenge myself against heights. Any chance I get to look over a ledge – I’m there!” Matt, Aug 2025
“I took this course at the weekend. Hand on heart, it’s transformative. Will and Alison are superb; knowledgeable and experienced. Most importantly, they deliver the course in an incredibly kind, patient and human-centred way.” … “Those two days have opened up new pathways and has begun the process of dismantling the barriers that stopped me doing the things I want to do in life…” Colin, May 2025
Course Location:
Peak District National Park, Derbyshire
Dates & Availability:
24/25 Oct 2026 – NOW FULL
13/14 Mar 2027
15/16 Mar 2027 (weekdays)
15/16 Apr 2027 (weekdays)
17/18 Apr 2027
13/14 May 2027 (weekdays)
15/16 May 2027
26/27 June 2027
1/2 July 2027 (weekdays)
15/16 July 2027 (weekdays)
17/18 July 2027
Price per person:
£240 for two days (not including accommodation)
Leader/client ratio:
We keep our group sizes small & personal and never exceed a leader to client ratio of 1:4
Any questions? Call Will on 07791 860 163
Outline Programme
This is a gradual process and it does not force you to do anything you don’t want to do.
Day 1 morning – The course begins with an indoor session with our clinical hypnotherapist, Alison, and we look at why you have a fear of heights and at re-writing the narrative. With the help of light hypnotherapy you develop new connections in your brain that will allow you to use the rational, intelligent and calm part of your brain, to help you overcome and manage your fear of heights.
Day 1 after lunch – Out to the Peak District. By this stage your subconscious mind will have begun making new connections. But on a conscious level, maybe you won’t be so sure. (We get that). Now we employ a system of graduated activities outside to help you further develop a new narrative at height. This is possibly the best way to tackle your acrophobia: this is the process of exposure therapy. Never pushing you too far, never putting you under pressure, we help you gain further confidence, maybe doing things you never imagined possible.
Day 2 – By the morning of day 2, you will have gone through a seismic shift. This phase now consolidates upon your progress and you will continue to gain positive experiences at height. We close the course with thoughts of what next, high fives and big hugs.
“Went on the course in 2016 absolutely 100% believing it would make no difference BUT it absolutely 100% did. Went from freaking out on my knees on Striding Edge to climbing in the Alps along narrow ridges in the snow. Best thing I’ve ever done!” Darren, Facebook Sept 2026
Overcome Your Fear of Heights & Acrophobia £240 – Book Your Place Here
Not sure? Got some questions? Call Will directly on 07791860163. In the event that our hands are tied up please do leave a message and we’ll get right back to you as soon as we can.
“Absolutely brilliant course on tackling my Fear of Heights. Will, Alison, Andy and Ben were so supportive and encouraging. The use of hypnotherapy really adds another dimension to help you understand where your fears may be coming from and gives you tools to overcome it. Once outside on the hills in the Peak District the experience was amazing. Nobody was forced to tackle anything that seemed too much, we were all treated with patience and understanding; as a consequence we all achieved much more than we thought was possible on the first morning…” Kaz April 2026
Fear of Heights FAQs
I am REALLY afraid of heights. Is this the right course for me?
Have you / your instructors got the patience to deal with how I react to heights? As a worst case scenario my fear manifests itself (very embarrassingly) in me trying to get as close to the ground as possible and often tears.
It is exactly for people like you, that this course exists. You may well cry, it does get emotional sometimes, and that is totally ok. It might even be that other people cry too. But, we are really good at supporting people and helping people with the challenges we put out there. Also, we’re really good at gauging how things are, and tempering each challenge accordingly. And you know what, loads of people email or call me to ask this exact question. You’ll be in good company!
Why does our approach work?
So why does our Fear of Heights course work so well?
There are lots of reasons, but these are the three that matter most.
#1 – Because I know exactly what a fear of heights feels like.
I’m Will, and I have lived with a fear of heights for most of my life. In truth, I still do. The difference is that I’ve learnt how to manage those feelings rather than let them control me.
When people come on one of our Fear of Heights courses, I’m not pretending to understand what they’re experiencing—I genuinely know how it feels. I’ve stood where you are now, and I still revisit those emotions from time to time. Over the years, I’ve learnt how to manage my reactions, expand my comfort zone and enjoy activities that once felt impossible.
That’s where this course began. Back in 2005, I wanted to answer one simple question: is it really possible to overcome a fear of heights? Everything we’ve developed since has been built around helping other people do exactly that.
#2 – Our unique combination of therapy and real-world experience.
When we launched the course in 2005, my web designer, Simon, was working with an NLP therapist. He suggested that we combine therapeutic techniques with practical outdoor exercises, and that idea became the foundation of our approach.
Rather than relying solely on classroom-based techniques or simply exposing people to heights, our Fear of Heights course combines indoor therapeutic methods with carefully structured outdoor challenges. This blend helps people understand their thoughts and emotions before applying those techniques in real situations, giving them the confidence to gradually overcome their fear of heights.
It remains an incredibly effective formula and has helped thousands of people manage acrophobia and build lasting confidence.
#3 – The people who deliver the course.
Even the best course design is only as good as the people delivering it.
Our instructors are experienced, highly qualified outdoor professionals who genuinely understand fear of heights and the impact it can have on people’s lives. They know how to create a supportive, relaxed environment where you never feel judged or pressured.
Their patience, empathy and experience allow you to progress at your own pace while feeling safe, encouraged and looked after throughout the course. For many people, that supportive environment is just as important as the techniques we teach.
Back in 2005, we were the only company offering this combination of therapeutic techniques alongside practical outdoor coaching. Since then, others have copied our ideas, but a course is much more than a concept.
What makes Will4Adventure different is the experience we’ve gained over two decades, the thousands of people we’ve helped overcome a fear of heights, and a team that truly understands both the practical and emotional sides of acrophobia.
That’s what makes our approach unique.
What time does the course start & finish each day?
Normally we meet at around 0915 each day. The first day is quite a big day and so you shouldn’t be surprised if we’re not done before 6pm. We’re normally done by 1700 at the very latest on day 2.
I don’t drive. Can I use public transport to get to you?
Yes – totally! Book accommodation in Bamford, Hope or Castleton. (Hope and Bamford are both served with rail and bus connections). Let us know you’re not driving and we’ll see what we can do to find you a lift-share for each day. It’s never a problem and actually helps with the limited car parking.
What accommodation should I book and where?
Ok first off – please don’t be tempted to get up at 5am and to travel up on the day of the course. You will get the most from this course if you’re not already tired. But also, things happen and we don’t want you to miss the start of the day with Alison.
Now for the second part of the question … Castleton has a really good range of accommodation to suit all budgets including B&Bs, a youth hostel and a campsite. But for people travelling by train, Bamford might be best for you since there’s a station there and this is where the course meets/commences on the first day.
Am I too old to overcome my fear of heights?
No. Years ago I trekked for five days across Devon with my mother-in-law, who is 24 years older than me. We each carried our own backpacks complete with food and tents. Some days we would arrive at the campsite having covered 20 miles. I would be shattered and she looked like she could do it all again. In my experience, fit capable people come in all ages.
I am overweight. Will that be a problem?
There’s no weight limit, but you do need to have a waist size of 56″ or less (so that we can fit you with a harness).
I’m not convinced I’m fit and strong enough for rock climbing and abseiling – how fit do I need to be to do your course?
You don’t have to be very fit to complete this course. On the first day we walk maybe a mile in total, and on the second day, maybe two miles. The activities we do on the course really don’t require arm strength – we’re certainly not expecting any ninjas or athletes to turn up, just normal people, in all shapes and sizes. If you can cope with the distances, and can do things like climb up a ladder out of a swimming pool, or step up onto a park bench, you will be absolutely fine.
How large are the overall group sizes?
The group sizes are usually between 6 and 10 people, and we work at a ratio of 1:4. Rarely more than 8, and rarely fewer than 4. The group dynamic is really healthy though: people often support each other through the challenges and actually form friendships too.
I have previously done an ‘outward bound course’ (abseiling, bridge jumping, high ropes etc) to try and overexpose myself and overcome my fear but that didn’t help. Mainly as there was a lot of shouting & telling me to ‘get on with it’. How will this course be different?
The experience your describe is the worst way to overcome your fear of heights. I can’t imagine it was positive at all for you and it probably only reinforced your fears. Our approach is hugely different. We’re really good at nudging you slowly and incrementally out of your comfort zone and there is zero pressure or coercion from anybody. The experiences and successes have got to be yours! Otherwise they’re meaningless.
Further Reading
Everything there is to know about acrophobia and a fear of heights
Acrophobia & how we help people with a fear of heights
Understanding your fear of heights
7 Top Tips on how to beat your fear of heights
BBC – Tips for overcoming fear from the world’s best free solo climber
UKC.com – Playing with fear
UKC.com – How to conquer the fear of falling
Follow up sessions – How to reinforce getting over fear of heights
More Fear of Heights articles